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Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Sharing the Wealth
We are so grateful for out lot in life, we are re-gifting. You will be the recipients. (a lucky couple of you anyway). We received a lovely gift this week from our friends and colleagues at Moda Fabrics. ***Did you know Moda has the same problem we all do - stash management. They are running out of room down in Dallas! Their stash has become our stash and will now become your stash. They sent us this today.They ran across a complete (yes, COMPLETE!!) set of Prairie Paisley yardage. That means 40 prints of Prairie Paisley! Some of this has been "extinct" for quite awhile. All you have to do is comment on this post before midnight, Saturday the 27th and some of this could be on it's way to your place. It's the least we could do for you, our friends.
Let us in on your stash management techniques. How do you handle the stash? One winner (picked at random by www.random.org) will get a half yard of each of the 40 prints - 20 yards total, and one winner will get a fat quarter of each of the prints - a 10 yard total.Do you make quilts to give away? Do you share with your friends? Have you just accepted your problem and built a storage facility? Harry Potter has a cloak of invisibility. I'm hoping for a circus tent of invisibility to come into my possession. That might be the answer to organizing my stash.
Remember when I told you we loved those Canadian Olympic mittens? Well, these arrived todayYou folks are so nice! Monica came across these in Vancouver and sent them along to us. But, (yes, there is a "but") they are teeny, tiny. This is actually good news once we thought about it. First of all, Polly and I don't have to wrestle for them. While we would love to wear them, we also want to keep them pristine with the cool holographic label intact. Now they will become the coolest Christmas tree decorations ever. I get them this year and they will then go to South Florida the year after that. Thanks Monica. We are very touched.
Good luck everyone!
318 comments:1 – 200 of 318 Newer› Newest»
- Lauren said...
I don't control my stash. It's madness. I have a dresser full of fabric, but current projects are in a different place altogether.
Love those fabrics!
- February 24, 2010 at 5:59 PM
- Mimi said...
Stash management? What's that? I don't think I have it...that's why it is out of control. So why not add some of that beautiful Prairie Paisley to my already overrun closet, but it sure would make a great charity quilt for some fortunate recipient. My group and I make "love covers" for a local hospital. I think they would like some made from Prairie Paisley. Thanks!
- February 24, 2010 at 5:59 PM
- Cathy said...
Every once in a while, I come across a forgotten treasure in my stash so it does not surprise me that Moda has the same experience, just on a much larger scale (my stash hasn't reached warehouse proportions yet, don't let my husband exaggerate).
I've given up trying to manage or control it, I just organize it, and re-organize it, and fondle it some more...
- February 24, 2010 at 6:01 PM
- Lindy said...
Well...I try to attend stash management under my bed, in the closet,in the laundry room, well...I try...I gift my quilts to my family and sweet friends.
- February 24, 2010 at 6:02 PM
- Unknown said...
Fabulous find Moda and thank for sending it to Minick and Simpson and thank them for passing it on.
I do quilt for my church and quilts are given to hospice,foster care, disaster relief, and the domestic abuse home for women.
would love to win
- February 24, 2010 at 6:03 PM
- Diana said...
The only solution to managing the stash is to just keep making quilts. LOL! I love, love, love Prairie Paisley!
- February 24, 2010 at 6:05 PM
- Margaret said...
Oh wow! I'd love to win! As far as stash goes, well, I don't control it. I just keep buying more containers to contain it. lol!
- February 24, 2010 at 6:11 PM
- Sherrill said...
I've not done a good job of controlling the stash! In fact, I think it controls ME!! But I have at this point in time 7, yes SEVEN, projects in the works using ONLY stash. Some of them will wind up living here and some will most likely go to live elsewhere! Thanks for the giveaway!!
- February 24, 2010 at 6:12 PM
- Treasa said...
My stash management is "plastic totes". I have several of them and I just write on an index card which fabric is in the stash and tape to the tote. Thanks Moda for finding the stash. Love the gloves. I hear they are hard to find. They will make the perfect christmas ornaments.
- February 24, 2010 at 6:14 PM
- Kwiltsfl said...
I have done a poor job of managing my stash and it has cascaded out of my shelves onto the floor! I guess the closest I have come to stash management this year is all the baby quilts I've made.
- February 24, 2010 at 6:14 PM
- Monica said...
Awesome giveaway!
There is a method to my stash madness. I organize my stash by the style of fabric (i.e. patriotic, Civil War, 30's, batiks). And the rest is sorted by color.
- February 24, 2010 at 6:18 PM
- Moose on the Porch Quilts said...
Prairie Paisley and Flag Day Farms are two of my all time favorite fabric lines!
The only time that I feel like I am "managing" my stash is when I make the back to a quilt. All of a sudden 4-8 yards of fabric gets put to good use!
I do make lots of quilts that I keep and that I give away.
- February 24, 2010 at 6:19 PM
- Pat said...
I have absolutely no control what so ever. See it...want it...buy it...put it in the closet. When I do take it out I use it on a friend.
- February 24, 2010 at 6:20 PM
- Bev said...
I love your fabric. In fact I bought some Bar Harbor fabric today and was really disappointed that the twill is not here yet! Must have the twill! The collection looks like it could be used to re-do a sun porch on a beach house....I can see the rose fabric as pillows--along with the stripe. The twill would be pillows for the wicker furniture and the "cheater" would be a throw...At any rate, thanks for sharing! Cheery wave from Bev
- February 24, 2010 at 6:22 PM
- Bevie Pearl said...
I use plastic totes that are in my guest bedroom closet. I take pictures of my fabric and attach pictures on the outside of my tote so that I can quickly see what fabrics are in each tote. My "scrap" pile is just that....a tote with scraps.
What an awesome giveaway!!
- February 24, 2010 at 6:23 PM
The stash has become unruly! I know only buy what I know I am going to use. I have moved it too many times to add to it!
- February 24, 2010 at 6:24 PM
- Beth said...
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- February 24, 2010 at 6:27 PM
- MJinMichigan said...
I have s room full of shelves that are loaded with my 30 year stash.
I've been cutting the smaller pieces into strips and squares for scrap projects but of course that just moves it from area to another.
Prairie Paisley was my favorite of your lines so I would lvoe to win!
- February 24, 2010 at 6:28 PM
- Kim said...
LOL I was just thinking last night I need more shelving units! That's the only way to control it...accommodate it! LOL That yummy Prairie Paisley would have a special place on the shelves!
- February 24, 2010 at 6:29 PM
- **MIGNONNE** said...
Ooh Ooh Ooh! That is one of my most favorite lines of fabric ever. I am drooling just thinking about it.
Now what is this stash management of which you speak? Right now my I have to box up what I am not using. I think I have broken into all of my boxes at least a half dozen times. It's not very effective.
- February 24, 2010 at 6:29 PM
- Unknown said...
Love the fabrics. Stash management, what is that? lol I thought my job was to keep the LQS's in business by keeping a stash.
- February 24, 2010 at 6:30 PM
- Beth said...
I have a wall of shelves that my sweet husband built to hold my Sterilite bins - the long flat ones made for under the bed. My shelves are just tall and wide enough to hold one tub so I can slide them in and out without unstacking the tubs. One column is color arranged, the others are arranged by type of fabric - civil war, 30s, batiks, etc. Oh, I loved the prairie paisley line - I have one quilt waiting to be finished and another to be made in it. Wouldn't be fun to have a trio of quilts from the line! Projects are in tote bags that have accumulated from everywhere. The tote bags live in a cabinet.
- February 24, 2010 at 6:32 PM
- pdudgeon said...
LOL,my stash is housed in:
multiple Sterelite plastic drawer sets lined up against the wall (21 drawers of quilting projects and 8 more drawers of scrap fabric and yardage at last count)
In the closit are 8 more drawers of completed tops waiting to be quilted,
and under my quilting frame are 21 plastic 12 Qt tote boxes that hold the planned quilts that i'll be making this year.
So yes, it all resembles a mini Moda warehouse.
most of my stash is organized by projects,(with patterns and backing fabric included) just don't ask me to put my hand on the right box the first time.
But i still have an empty drawer saved just for that Prairie Paisley fabric! and i'd really love to have some, pretty please?
- February 24, 2010 at 6:34 PM
I store like colors in plastic drawers but have special fabrics in piles on my sewing table. It's not that great of a system but oh well.
- February 24, 2010 at 6:37 PM
- Stephanie said...
I am very lucky. When we built our new house, I got the bonus room as my sewing room. We put ceiling to floor shelving in the walkin closet to store my stash. I make quilts for Quilts of Valor and baby quilts for the social workers to give to kids in crisis.
- February 24, 2010 at 6:41 PM
When 2 of our daughters moved out, I moved into one of the bedrooms thinking I would have plenty of room for my stash. HAH! I call it my "padded room". Your Prairie Paisley would be beautiful in a quilt for the cottage.
~Joyce in MI
- February 24, 2010 at 6:42 PM
- Jan Hatchett said...
I have my fabrics more or less divided into the drawers of a good sized chest of drawers. Batting is on the bottom and folded fabric is in the all the drawers. It usually is full to bursting! I need to sew faster.
Love the fabrics! Gorgeous!
- February 24, 2010 at 6:42 PM
- Janet said...
My stash is stacked by color on a shelf with glass doors. The doors no longer shut as the fabric stacks are now doubled but so far it all fits on there. I just love your Prairie Paisley line - the thought of Moda having stash management problems makes me smile. :0)
- February 24, 2010 at 6:45 PM
- Susan said...
I'm very new to quilting (working on my first one now), so I don't have much of a stash other than the freebie stash I got on Craigslist last year! So I keep that little stash in a zippered bag that I got my new comforter in. I also have some fabric from various sewing projects in years past tucked away in a wicker trunk. I hope to have more stash after this giveway - hint hint! LOL Those fabrics are beautiful!
- February 24, 2010 at 6:45 PM
- Kaye Prince said...
Hehe, I don't really think I "manage" my stash at all. On occasion I weed things out and send them to the Goodwill, but this is very rare!
I have been trying to be better lately though about using it, and I've gotten a few things finished recently and that feels good!
- February 24, 2010 at 6:47 PM
- Debra said...
I don't really have any kind of stash management going on. I just buy what I like hope that I figure out how to use it and just have fun!
- February 24, 2010 at 6:49 PM
- Jocelyn said...
Oh wow, I have a few pieces of this fabric line, and I LOVE it. It would make such a beautiful quilt. I need to make two for my boys, and this fabric would work so beautifully. Thanks for sharing the joy.
- February 24, 2010 at 6:49 PM
- PamKittyMorning said...
My stash controls me. Isn't that the way it is for everyone?
- February 24, 2010 at 6:51 PM
- Ariane said...
Oh wow!!! I just love these fabrics. They are gorgeous. I have a nice stash. Not too big. I only have a little bit of space for my stuff. So, I keep it somewhat under control. But these would be so amazing to add to my stash. Most of my sewing is for others. I usually make scrap quilts to keep for my family. That way I get to keep a little piece of all my favorite fabrics. Thanks for sharing.
- February 24, 2010 at 6:51 PM
- Laurie in Iowa said...
Stash Management... what a hoot. The only thing I manage well is adding to the stash.
Thanks for the opportunity to participate in your giveaway.
- February 24, 2010 at 6:51 PM
- lesthook said...
I have crates and crates! But a lot of my fabric is older and I am waiting for it to come back in style,LOL!
- February 24, 2010 at 6:56 PM
- Kim M said...
Stash, whats that? The only way it will ever get in control is when there are no more fabric shops. That beautiful paisley will look good with my stash. I make baby quilts and quilts of valor that are all donated.
- February 24, 2010 at 6:57 PM
- Kate said...
Can a stash really be managed?! I keep mine in plastic boxes on the loungeroom floor, and they get dragged into my bedroom whenever I have visitors. I give scraps to friends when they want them and sometimes give stuff away on my blog too.
- February 24, 2010 at 6:58 PM
- lizzie said...
Stash Management..are you kidding..I am a MODA snob...I only use MODA don't buy anything else...heaven forbid..I can't imagine not using MODA...feels good..looks good...sews good...as far as stash management..what is that..it's every where under every bed on every shelf in every nook and crannie..I must have it and I must have it now..There is NO cure!!!!!Lisa
- February 24, 2010 at 6:59 PM
- Liz said...
Well, since I started blogging I've discovered that I don't really have a stash of fabric!! I'm working on it though. I've seen some HUGE stashes on some blogs and I don't think that I'm aiming that big, but I would like to have to add another shelf or two in my room! So I guess to answer the question, there is no management with my stash just a total desire to add to it....
- February 24, 2010 at 7:00 PM
- Cheri C. said...
Oh, I am so laughing at your comments...
I just finished getting my stash "together". I have everything separated. NOW, I am putting an excel file to show what I have. I think if I know what I have, I will quit buying it over and over again. Also, I might just use more knowing exactly what I have. I also like the way Jaybird (and the person she got it from) is doing the account of fabric on hand, used, and bought... love that idea as well.
I would love to add more to my excel sheet - here's to crossing my fingers for the win. Thanks!!!
- February 24, 2010 at 7:03 PM
- Unknown said...
I adore Prairie Paisley!! Stash management...this sounds like something I've heard of but have yet to run across here lol.
When things start getting out of control I do go on the whole fabric diet thing, and I try to use some of it up, give some away...kind of the same thing with clothes lol.
- February 24, 2010 at 7:03 PM
- Michele said...
I have one stash in a double closet, however, I usually don't even go into the closet because of all the boxes, containers, bags and piles of material in front of the closet doors. I really should get myself organized, but that would involve stopping my latest quilt in progress, and I really don't want to stop. It is madness, isn't it?
- February 24, 2010 at 7:08 PM
- Tina C. said...
I don't have a large stash. It's probably a good thing. But adding these lovely fabrics would be great stash enhancement!
- February 24, 2010 at 7:08 PM
Oh wow, I am in love with those fabrics.
Well I control my stash in a way that once I have made a quilt and have leftover I cut them in to strips or squares and store them for scrap quilts.
Yes I do make quilts to give away and when we had the Bushfires here last year I send some to the collection place down south and from memory over 1200 quilts came together.
Quilting is what i do day to day and love it, you know my weakness is if someone comes to my house and is really taken by one of my quilts, they will more likely to go home with it. Can't help love giving quilts and it means I can by more fabric.
Have a great day from
Christine down under
- February 24, 2010 at 7:13 PM
- Pookie said...
Here at Maple Hoo we're in the blissful state of being new enough at quilting that we can still claim that we don't have a big enough stash yet and new enough that we don't have to be stressing that we haven't used enough of it yet! Talk to me again in a year. Heh heh heh.
- February 24, 2010 at 7:17 PM
- Robin said...
The way I try to manage my stash is I have to consider if it will fit into my smallish sewing room. I started filling the adjoining bedroom with fabric etc. when one of my children had to move back home. I had to forcibly empty the bedroom closet back into the sewing room. There is still a large drawer of Thimbleberries in the dresser.
As far as who gets the quilts it's about 3 to 1. I give away 3 and keep 1.
You have the best drawings!!!
- February 24, 2010 at 7:17 PM
- Kathy R. said...
My cats don't believe in stash management. Every time I try to organize things, they re-organize as soon as my back is turned. My little Trouble boy likes to check what I am doing by jumping on my back and looking over my shoulder - he's such a big help :)He would love some new fabric to inspect and "organize." When time permits, we do make quilts and such for the Linus Project or other charities. Thanks for the give away.
- February 24, 2010 at 7:20 PM
- Julie @ Jaybird Quilts said...
moda is running out of space?... they have my address... they can send it all to me! ;-) my stash.. is pretty organised... bags..bins..drawers... all labeled!!
- February 24, 2010 at 7:21 PM
- Pat / Silver Thimble Quilt Co. said...
Oh my...I have saved my Prarie Paisley and have run out in the middle of a quilt..OH PLEASE PICK ME! It is my favorite of all favorite lines of fabbies..love love love it.
Stash management? HUH..who wants to manage the stash? I'm more into Stash Expansion. Much more fun.
- February 24, 2010 at 7:21 PM
- Carol said...
My stash? Oh well....the thing is that every so often I tell myself that I won't buy any more fabric until I use up ____ (insert amount - sometimes 10 yards or 2 quilts worth, whatever) and then I go surfing and see that 'must have' fabric that calls my name, like the sirens and Odysseus. And so it continues.
I make quilts for family and special friends.
- February 24, 2010 at 7:22 PM
- sharon said...
I try to "control" it by subject matter as in the batik box, reproduction box,but some how some way it seems to morph on it's own. Then it is back to sorting again, I needed a bigger house! Thanks for having such a great give away! Sharonj
- February 24, 2010 at 7:26 PM
- Gayle said...
I keep most of the quilts I make and store them in a vintage wardrobe that I rescued out of a house that was being demolished. To store my unused fabrics, hubby build some wonderful shelves that I just love!
- February 24, 2010 at 7:26 PM
- Brooke said...
My problem with a stash is that I'd almost always buy a new fabric than use from my stash. So why do I keep stashing?? There is a quilting group at my Mom's church, and they make quilts for mission fields. Every so often I weed through my stacks and donate to the cause. I know in my heart that I can never use it all myself, and it isn't doing anyone any good just sitting upstairs in my closet. The quilting group doesn't buy ANY fabric, so the more donations they receive, the more quilts they are able to make. It makes me feel good to know it goes to a good cause........and it makes me feel less guilty about buying the next fabric!
The colors in the prairie fabrics are my very favorites. Soothing and calm. Love them! :)
- February 24, 2010 at 7:31 PM
I have a stash? really? shhhh.... don't tell hubby... he just thinks it's laundry. bwahahahahahahahaha!
- February 24, 2010 at 7:32 PM
- Laura T said...
Wow! Prairie Paisley is one of my all time favorite fabric lines. I was hoarding some of the fabric recently but decided to make a eye glass catcher out of it (I also made a table runner) just so I could have it with me all the time. I cannot be without my glasses - one pair for reading and computer and another pair for TV and knitting. I wish I could wear contacts! Oh well - please enter me into your give-a-way as I already know what I would do with it - I would love to make the quilt that was on the front of the quilting magazine about a year ago featuring Prairie Paisley!
Laura T
- February 24, 2010 at 7:35 PM
- Karen said...
I think I should have stock in rubber maid. I love fabric! I started buying cute decorative boxes and hide my stash in them so my hubby doesn't know exactly how much fabric I have. I love giving my quilts away as gifts. Every Christmas I try to give 3-5 quilts as gifts. I love the Prairie Paisley line of fabric. I can never say no to red white and blue fabric. Please count me in the drawing for the fabric. Thanks for being so generous.
Karen M
- February 24, 2010 at 7:36 PM
- Karen said...
Stash?? I thought it was my fabric collection. Use it for gifts-someone is always having a baby. Belong to a group that makes quilts for those that need a hug from God. Love, love, love, your Prairie Paisley Line!! Would love to add that to my collection!
- February 24, 2010 at 7:43 PM
- Lisa said...
I use totes and a sideboard to keep my stash sorted by washed/unwashed and by style (patriotic, CW prints, florals) and color. It's fun to sort stash, fabric handling is always a good time. If I receive some of 'the wealth' it would find its way into a quilt like this one (http://minickandsimpson.blogspot.com/2009/06/fuss-free-hand-quilting.html. I saw it here and I was in love! I hunted down the April 2006 issue of American Patchwork and Quilting and I am collecting lovelies to feature in it! Thank you for your continued inspiration.
- February 24, 2010 at 7:45 PM
Stash management?!? Not me. There is no rhyme or reason to my stash. I have learned to embrace my addiction and my stash. My real problem is that i give away almost all my quilts. I need to have more of my own quilts in my house. I would be overjoyed to win your collection Prairie Paisley.
- February 24, 2010 at 7:48 PM
My stash management came as a surprise to me. One day my husband decided he wanted to make a quilt. He did, and has since made another 6 quilts. We take our kits when we go camping in our trailer and sew away. He would love your fabric give away.
- February 24, 2010 at 7:57 PM
- Angela said...
I do not have a very big stash. I have it sorted by color, except I have all my CW repro together. Thank you for your sharing!
- February 24, 2010 at 8:03 PM
- Deb said...
Just in the last couple of weeks I bought 3 big see-thru bins from Costco to organize some of my stash. It's working so well that I'm getting more when I go back. (That's a lot of stash!) Yes, I usually make quilts for other folks...relatives, friends moving, and for special occasion gifts. I would LOVE to win your giveaway fabrics.
- February 24, 2010 at 8:05 PM
- Lisa C said...
I try to control my stash. I am more addicted to kits. Fat quarter bundles and kits. It's a problem. I've got maybe 30 kits right now. They're stored in totes all over my bedroom. My poor husband... I'm glad he loves me!!!
- February 24, 2010 at 8:06 PM
- Sarah Greider said...
I wish I could control my stash, but I just seem to be adding to it more than subtracting. After missing out on some fabrics for not acting quick enough I tend to buy early and buy often.
- February 24, 2010 at 8:06 PM
No stash management for me, but I would love the chance to win this great fabric. Thank you.
- February 24, 2010 at 8:07 PM
- WoolenSails said...
Love those mittens and what a wonderful tree ornament.
My stash is not that big yet, so manageable. I keep fat quarters in baskets and boxes and yardage on the shelves. I make some quilts for myself and some for gifts to friends. I love making wall hangings with sayings to give as gifts and great way to use up stash.
- February 24, 2010 at 8:09 PM
- Stephanie Soebbing said...
My husband and I our looking for a house with a room that has a very large closet that I can use exclusively for sewing and for holding my stash. Currently our second bedroom is filled with my stash, notions, batting, portable sewing machine case and UFOs. You can't even open the door.
I've only been quilting for three years, so I think I may need some type of AA for fabric buying if this keeps up.
- February 24, 2010 at 8:15 PM
- C said...
I haven't got too much of a stash, but I have a few quilts in the making. I remember when that line came out, I loved it! How fun to receive that pile from Moda after it's "gone" so to speak :-)
I would love to make something out of it :-)
- February 24, 2010 at 8:17 PM
- deborah said...
Gorgeous fabrics! I would love to add them to my collection, which started so many years ago when I was just a child. My grandmother always took me along on her 'acquisition' trips to the fabric stores, so I was taught well at an early age how important it was to have a proper stash:) Every room in the house has some stashed fabric, with the most of it in a closet I use to store the stuff I'm using right now:) I don't have a huge stash right now, as I have been using it to make scrap quilts this winter. I have started making quilts for Quilts4Kids, and give most of my other quilts away.
- February 24, 2010 at 8:20 PM
Controlled stash? Isn't that an oxymoron?! :) I'm more like a dragon hoarding her pile of treasures lol
- February 24, 2010 at 8:22 PM
- JulieF1962 said...
Stash management is an oxymoron! I would love to win those for my stash MISmanagement! Thank you!
- February 24, 2010 at 8:22 PM
- Unknown said...
I'm sorry to say there is no stash managment at my house. It's out of control and I love it!
- February 24, 2010 at 8:28 PM
- Quilting by the Lake said...
I have bins...and know where most of the stash is hiding... Every once in awhile I have to search for something....but now I have a label maker and I've been labeling away!
- February 24, 2010 at 8:28 PM
- Ruth B said...
Love Prairie Paisley fabrics! I have a bookcase that I put stacks of fabric in sorted by color. Then I have bins of fabric that I sort according to how much I like it. I keep the best stuff in my closet and move the rest around the house in other closets. Even ugly fabric can be made into a rug someday. Some I give to church for the quilt club.
- February 24, 2010 at 8:28 PM
- karen @ badlandsquilts said...
Oh my gosh... I have just gone to heaven... I have a whole area allocated for my RWB Minick & Simpson stash...that was one of my favorite collections of all time.
I have different areas in my closet/dresser drawers allocated to precuts, FQ stacks, fabrics that will be used as a collection and those that will be used as color. Items that are not my taste in more but still current I try to use for gifts and I have a box of uglies that will become a quilt to take to my sons baseball games. Thanks for such a generous giveaway!
- February 24, 2010 at 8:34 PM
- di said...
Stash Management - um.....yeah, you could call it that. You could also call it basic investment for the future - you never know when there could be a Boll Weevil infestation and our cottons would be priceless!!!!
- February 24, 2010 at 8:43 PM
- Ginny Worden said...
I have finally figured out that it is okay to use those fabrics that I love and have in my stash, as there is always more fabrics to love and covet.( Including Prairie Paisley, hint, hint)
- February 24, 2010 at 8:43 PM
- Carol said...
I love your fabrics and quilts. My stash management system consists of multiple plastic bins, organized loosely by color or type of fabric.
I love your Prairie Paisley fabric.
- February 24, 2010 at 8:48 PM
- kshackabq said...
Stash Management ?? I thought those were contradictory words -- silly me! I love making quilts for others. A friend told me today the quilt I made for her son when he was born has become his favorite "must have" item. Her daughter learned to walk while holding the quilt I made for her. Sweet moments to ponder while making quilts for others. Thanks for the wonderful fabrics you design for us.
- February 24, 2010 at 8:56 PM
- ~Laurie~ said...
Perfect timing to talk about stash - you'll have to visit my blog to see how I deal with stash management! Great minds think alike!!
PS - This fabric is terrfic :)
- February 24, 2010 at 9:03 PM
- SheilaC said...
I need ideas for stash management! This year I am taking on more projects to try and use more stash.. but they keep making adorable fabrics that I feel I must buy... so its an endless cycle ;)
Thanks for sharing the wealth and hosting this give away. Great fabric!
- February 24, 2010 at 9:09 PM
- kelley said...
What a great giveaway...some of my favorite fabric !
Stash management has been going on here for years...to downsize I started giving it away...to friends, churches, on freecycle...my favorite was hundreds of yards to a church group starting a mission in Africa to help young women leave prostitution and become seamstresses...each completing the program would recieve her own Singer treadle sewing machine...they had almost 100 old machines newly refurbished by a group of volunteers...
in my church we make pajama pants for local VA hospitals...pillowcases too...
- February 24, 2010 at 9:17 PM
- Amy said...
I just finished a jelly roll quilt with this line of fabrics. I absolutely love it and would love to have more. My stash management has been to participate over at Judy L's Patchwork Times blog each Sunday for my stash report. It gives you a little accountability. While I'm not ahead in getting used, it does make me think before I purchase. So at least I have a plan. :)
- February 24, 2010 at 9:20 PM
- garden quilter said...
Just trying to avoid the avalanche! I have plastic bins on shelves that are keyed by color. Some are keyed by style(homespun), holidays. Mostly I'm just thankful I have a stash! I would be honored to give your lovely fabrics a new home - however they may not make to the stash - they may get into a quilt right away!
- February 24, 2010 at 9:28 PM
- Claudia said...
My stash seems to grow. I do try to bust it out, but fabric is my drug. The longer I'm away from it the more I need it. I can just touch it and it makes my day better. That's why I need more. So 20 yards or 10 yards would feel right at home.
- February 24, 2010 at 9:29 PM
My stash of fabric as well as papercraftinig items is in my new craft room in our new home. Nice to have a place to call my own.
Hey Laurie and Polly - glad to see you have those great Canadian Maple Leaf mittens - after all you have Canadian roots. Karen
- February 24, 2010 at 9:36 PM
Stash management - Ikea (for storage) and Starbucks (improves my time management)! Prairie Paisley is beautiful and I would love it!
- February 24, 2010 at 9:55 PM
I HAVE QUITE A BIT OF FABRIC. WHEN I GOT INTO QUILTING i said I WASN'T GOING TO GET A LOT OF EXTRA FABRIC BUT HERE i go again. I HAVE COLLECTED QUITE A BIT just CAN'T RESIST THE BEAUTIFUL FABRICS. But in my stash I HAVEN'T GOTTEN ANY BLUES,REDS. i love red/white/blue so would love it. keep up the inspiring work. THANKS Sandi
- February 24, 2010 at 9:58 PM
- benbel said...
Control my stash? what stash? the puny pile of beautiful fabrics in my closet? I need more! then maybe I can control it! Yeah, that's it!
- February 24, 2010 at 10:04 PM
- Allie said...
Oh dear, you brought me out of hiding - I've been a reader for a long time but never dared a comment!
I group my stash by themes, then colors - and keep my fingers crossed that I can find them again. Looking for one fabric can throw my sewing room into chaos for the next few months! Oh the hazards of small houses.
I must say I'm finding it hard to believe Moda has a stash problem - their fabrics are so amazing!
- February 24, 2010 at 10:25 PM
- Peddlecar Quilts said...
Oh my gosh, the Praire Paisley line is by far one of my FAVORITES!!! I just love the colors and prints. I would be so delighted to win some! I manage my stash in my closet, with lots of shelves, where I can close the door and not worry about fading. I also put together fabrics I've bought for a project, along with the book or pattern, so that when I go to it later I will remember what I bought it for! LOL! Don't you love it though?
- February 24, 2010 at 10:58 PM
- Kathy said...
Love the fabrics!
I so need to consolidate my stash that I'm designing a new quilting studio! It will be built as soon as I can talk my hubby into it! Wish me luck!
- February 24, 2010 at 11:04 PM
- Vicky said...
Oh, goodness, Prairie Paisley!! Please please please pick me! Prairie Paisley is my all time favorite fabric ever! Stash management? Ha! I laugh! My stash manages me! However, there's always room for Prairie Paisley!!
- February 24, 2010 at 11:04 PM
- Joyful Quilter said...
My stash runth over...to all the bedrooms, to the garage, to the living room...there is no management here.
- February 24, 2010 at 11:13 PM
- ColiBee said...
My process of stash management is just enjoying the pile getting bigger and bigger and then asking my seewt hubby to build a bigger house for us!
easy peasy! :o)
But I love the stash management from moda, that really fits to my processes...
- February 24, 2010 at 11:36 PM
- Seams Sew Together said...
I don't control my stash it controls me. I have given quilts to the Royal Childrens Hospital in Melbourne to raffle.
- February 24, 2010 at 11:59 PM
- Rebecca said...
Hummm my stash is running wild and has grown to fast for the cupboard, but it is hard to say no to all the lovely fabric out there. Just like yours, love it they are so my colours.
Hugs Bec
- February 25, 2010 at 1:04 AM
- Deb said...
Uh.. I just hit my head bouncing off the computer screen when I saw that luscious fabric...it would be perfect to make another Reaching for the Stars Quilt!!!
My stash went from one of my dressers to one of my closets, to getting Rubbermaid cupboards on sale, I now have a total of six and am told that I can start my own store cause I thought I could have everything in one room but the dressers are still full and the closet is still stuffed and now there are more shelves just for the fat quarters!!..but they are in Color order not by designer so I mix and match lots of designers fabrics and love to open the doors and pull anything from my stash to make a quilt no matter what time it is..it never stops growing.
Right now there is also a cupboard of UFO's I am working on...that is the worse stash!!hopefully I will be able to finish and display then give away to friends and family
- February 25, 2010 at 1:26 AM
- Mayleen said...
I haven't been managing my stash very well! In fact, this year I signed up for a challenge that allows me to only use what fabric I already own. Some of it is from the 1980's! Help. I am starting to make a serious dent in it but so much is left. I think after a certain point, I will donate some of the older fabric.
- February 25, 2010 at 2:42 AM
- Fiona said...
I was just taking about stash management with my UFO students today. I try to make quilts using my stash but adding new pieces to update and brighten the palette. Then when the top is done, the fabrics is then transferred from the stash management pile to the quilt top pile in another part of the house. I am a longarm quilter and have lots of my own tops waiting for a spare day between customer quilts.
So in fact I also have no "stash managent plan" just a tranference plan, and then I don't have to hide anything from my Husband.
- February 25, 2010 at 2:56 AM
- antique quilter said...
I go thru my fabric collection about once a year and give away anything I don't like anymore to the guild to make charity quilts.
I cut fat quarters into strip sizes I use most
6 1/2" for alternate blocks/applique pieces, etc
4", 2 1/2" and 1 1/2" two of these if I can get it out of the fat quarter.
when I want to start a project I just pull out the bin with the strips and start cutting and sewing with lots of variety of fabrics.
This works well for me , took a long time to figure it all out but it was worth it.
Love those mittens!
LOVE this fabric line would love to win
- February 25, 2010 at 3:11 AM
- Melanie said...
Everything is sorted by color, but I have one pile in the corner of the cabinet that I consider current "Favorites"---Confession: It's a tall pile.... Great Fabrics-- thanks for sharing....
- February 25, 2010 at 3:15 AM
Praire Paisley is witout a doubt my all time favorite!!!!!!
My Stash............keeps growing and about once a year I sort it out orginize it and give LOTS to my sister in law.
My quilts..................most seem to end up as gifts.
The wonderful 'red mittens'....... I think Gibby would look very handsome wearing those in the snow!!!
- February 25, 2010 at 3:44 AM
- Stacey said...
i wish i had a stash to manage, i can only buy what i need as needed. we have 4 kids, and i craft for spending money on my hobbies, those look so pretty though, and i promise that if i won, i would give it a great home and love and cherish it for many years to come!!
- February 25, 2010 at 3:52 AM
- tami said...
My DH built me some gorgeous cabinets to manage my stash. The only thing is that I keep overflowing them. I love my stash. It makes me happy and is much less harmful than other vices I could have. I don't think I've earned a place on Hoarders yet.
That is a beautiful collection. My stash is predominantly darks and that collection is mostly light. It would make a great addition.
- February 25, 2010 at 4:01 AM
I try to make a few quilts for my guild. The guild gives the donated quilts to various organizations. I love the Prairie Paisley line. It's difficult to find that line now so winning some would be wonderful. Thanks for the great giveaway!
Nancy E
- February 25, 2010 at 4:10 AM
- bamagirlkathy said...
I tend to give leftovers and other fabric to our local senior center-they can always find a use for the fabric!
- February 25, 2010 at 4:21 AM
- rebecca said...
Plan? I do need a plan don't I. Being a newer quilter I should really think about this event for the future.
- February 25, 2010 at 4:38 AM
- Janet said...
Hi Laurie: For a while when "stash reduction" was the big thing I felt guilty having so much fabric, but after a month of parsimony I realized that buying and having new fabric was necessary to my creative process. So I started buying again and my blue funk disappeared. Is this a rationalisation? It just might be.
BTW I love Prairie Paisley, definitely at least as much as I love Bar Harbour and possibly even more, and that's saying something!
- February 25, 2010 at 4:44 AM
- Jolene said...
I try to keep my fat quarters together in container, my yardage on a bookshelf and my scraps in a big tote. My quilt guild is doing a stash management program this year and we make something every month with a certain color from our stash to share with the group. We are also doing a mystery quilt with stash fabrics. Maybe by the end of the year my stash will be smaller, I hope!
- February 25, 2010 at 4:54 AM
- QuilterPattiO said...
prairie paisley I love that line. I have 2 quilts with all ready and one more in the works. I take them out in June and enjoy them all summer. They are my favorite. So why not one more.
My stash keeps growing but I do make a lot of quilts to share. Two weddings and two grandbabies to create for this year!
- February 25, 2010 at 5:03 AM
Who me? Do I have a problem with my fabric stash management? My quilt group has been making of charity quilts using our stash. Thanks for the giveaway.
- February 25, 2010 at 5:08 AM
- Denise said...
I do quilt for my friends and family and I can't control my stash... really it controls me, it says me "buy another FQ, only another...." and I buy! :)
There is always a little corner for another FQ!
- February 25, 2010 at 5:10 AM
I try to control my stash, but I think it controls me. I have a friend that doesn't have much money to spare for fabric, so I try to give some of my stach to her.
- February 25, 2010 at 5:15 AM
- bettinag1 said...
stash management... what is that??? I have little stash so i keep it in rubbermaid tubs. I make things to give away either to charity like project linus or the local refugee program or to family and friends.
I would love to inherit the prairie fabrics
- February 25, 2010 at 5:15 AM
Nothing like making log cabin blocks to eat up a stash. My stash consists of fabric and log cabin blocks! Mary
- February 25, 2010 at 5:17 AM
- Shelley said...
My stash has sent me to therapy! Not kidding! Stash Therapy! I am using my lovelies right now to make quilts for the cancer unit in our hospital. This has been very rewarding. Please enter me to win. And Girls, I love your blog!
- February 25, 2010 at 5:23 AM
- Margo said...
Moving to a new log cabin and in preparing for the move I had to give up my stash due to a few months of putting things in storage.........I'm so missing it and need to start a new stash!
Those fabrics are great!
- February 25, 2010 at 5:27 AM
Wow, that is a treasure. It would make a lovely birthday gift for my march birthday:).
Stash management :), I am trying only to buy fabric this year to finish a current project. So far so good.
Hendrika @ email@example.com
- February 25, 2010 at 5:29 AM
- SueB said...
SueBee said:
Yes I do make quilts for charity. Well I dont think of it that way. I make QOV for our soldiers. Your fabrics would be a very nice plus for those tops.
- February 25, 2010 at 5:30 AM
- Helen said...
Stash management? If you have any great ideas I'd love to hear them. I do have fabric neatly stored in two Ikea cabinets and also in bins under my bed. It's the overflow that I have to deal with now. It's in heavy canvas bags in various locations. AndI keep discovering more. That said, I would love to have the Prarie Rose fabric. It's a lovely line of fabric.
- February 25, 2010 at 5:34 AM
- Barbara said...
Would love to add your stash to mine! There's always room for more! The fabrics are beautiful. Thanks for your generosity, as always.
- February 25, 2010 at 5:38 AM
I've cut into my "stash" of Prairie Paisley --- would love to add to it! Manage stash?! unfortunately not in my vocabulary. When I try to weed out fabrics, I find I like them all! Do you think Johnny Damon will help the Tigers? We can only hope!
- February 25, 2010 at 5:51 AM
- Quilter Kim said...
Hi, my name is Kim and I am a "fabric fanatic" I am a collector of fabric, but I also use alot from my stash. It just seems that the purchasing and acquiring outweighs the using. I love giving away my quilts I've made to my friends and family, so much so that the only handmade quilt I have on a bed in my house is one that my DH won in a raffle. After admitting my addiction to fabric I will say that winning the Prairie Paisley would make a wonderful addition to my stash.
- February 25, 2010 at 5:56 AM
- Loves to Quilt said...
I love Prairie Paisley! I have given away two quilts made from it. Maybe the 3rd time is a charm (or maybe a fat quarter!!)I tried during the first weeks of January to clean and organize my stash. That hasn't changed too much--it is just spread out a little further! LOL
- February 25, 2010 at 6:01 AM
- Shirl said...
I recently did some stash management by giving the flannels to a neighbor who sews receiving blankets for a local hospital and giving several boxes of fabric to a local church whose guild makes charity quilts. I make quilts (large & small) and bags for my family and friends. A handmade gift is always received well.
- February 25, 2010 at 6:12 AM
- ninepatch said...
I go to your blog everyday, as I enjoy it very much, so much interesting information.
Bev Old Remnants
- February 25, 2010 at 6:18 AM
- Kathryn said...
My stash management technique is to try to only buy what I know I have a project for. Then, what's left over is cut into strips for scrappy projects. Plus, I try to use what I love rather than storing it way. If I don't love it, donate it to the local high school sewing class. They always appreciate free fabric.
- February 25, 2010 at 6:18 AM
- ninepatch said...
I go to your blog everyday, as I enjoy all your comments and info. Fabric is never a problem.
Bev Old Remnants
- February 25, 2010 at 6:22 AM
- sandi said...
I believe I need a stash - a big ol' stash - so I can best see what I need to use where - yes?? It's kinda like buying the biggest box of crayons or all the paints - bigger is best!! I LOVE fiber - and esp. your new showings!! sandi in texas email@example.com
- February 25, 2010 at 6:23 AM
- Sew Create It - Jane said...
I control my stash with a wooden spoon...I use it to stuff the fabric to the back of the cupboard! :o)
- February 25, 2010 at 6:23 AM
- quiltnmaryf said...
I owned a quilt store for 13 years...Stash Management? Never heard of it! Now I lack the discipline I had when I needed to make samples. I am out-of-control. Yikes! I need some grandkids to sew for!
- February 25, 2010 at 6:28 AM
- Lori said...
How fun to get the adorable gloves! Blogges are the best.
And what a hoot that Moda is running out of room!! LOL
I manage my stash by not buying that much!! I make mostly scrap quilts so if I start to run low on a certain color I purchase some FQers to replenish. I only have so much room and feel it is silly to purchase more then I'll ever use....I still have plenty, just not as much as most quilters.
I'd love a chance to win your beautiful fabrics!! I'll make room for them if need be!!! LOL
- February 25, 2010 at 6:34 AM
- Gretchen said...
Prairie Paisley is one of the best Moda lines ever! Love it and would love to have some more :) Stash management???!!??? I've decided to use fabric as insulation--just keep stacking up along the outside walls of the sewing room and voila! lower heating bills this winter!!
- February 25, 2010 at 6:39 AM
- Erin in MI said...
I'm just going out to buy more shelving to accommodate my stash. Being unemployed currently, I am attempting to get all the unwashed fabric washed and on my new shelves. We'll see how successful that endeavor is.
I'd love to add your fabrics to my process right now - they're gorgeous! And of course I wasn't collecting those prints when they were out.
Gerat job ladies!
- February 25, 2010 at 6:40 AM
- Melody said...
My stash is everywhere. I try and control it but my 9 year old daughter is always going through it. And she hasn't learned to be neat yet.
- February 25, 2010 at 6:43 AM
- Nancy said...
My fabric stash has taken over my sewing room, but I just keep buying more. My mini quilting group, the Quilty Chicks, refer to it as "Henderson's Fabric Shop". The good news is that my 9 year old granddaughter has begun making quilts and someday I'll pass it on to her. Since she was very small she loved to play with my fabrics and now she loves to pick and choose what to use in her projects.
- February 25, 2010 at 6:53 AM
- Katie said...
My stash keeps being added to. I buy fabric because I like it, and don't always have a plan for it. I am expecting my 5th baby, and I did just make a quilt for him, and I'm going to get around to making my girl's their matching "Patisserie" bed quilts eventually, but most of my quilt making is give away. I love giving something of use to others. I love Praire Paisley. I would love to not have a plan for it in my stash.
- February 25, 2010 at 6:56 AM
Management is not my style....I like to SEE what I have....I only have the wall beside my bed to store it and man do I love to drift off to sleep looking at my babies..............
- February 25, 2010 at 7:06 AM
Control my stash? What a silly notion! It's there for me to enjoy and revel in! And it would be just perfect to add some of Moda's Prairies Paisley stash to my stash!
- February 25, 2010 at 7:06 AM
- Nancy said...
I share my stash with other quilters. I belong to freecycle and when I have a bag of scraps I will advertise online and someone will come to my house and pick them up, It's usually an appliquer that will take them....
I would love to share your stash...
- February 25, 2010 at 7:11 AM
- Nancy said...
Right now it's scattered, but mostly in bins. When my studio is finished (soon, I hope!), it will be in bins on shelves.
- February 25, 2010 at 7:18 AM
I love the this line of fabric!!!! Please let me win!!!! :-) Susan Muller
- February 25, 2010 at 7:20 AM
- Melissa C said...
I am just starting and need to add to my stash. This would make a great addition. Thanks for the chance.
- February 25, 2010 at 7:22 AM
- Aunt Polly's Attic said...
I don't manage my stash ... it manages ME!!!! I've given up trying to make some sense of it.
Love the fabrics!!!! I think they need to come live in MY stash! lol
- February 25, 2010 at 7:24 AM
Stash management? Is there such a thing? I love my stash and go throught it ever chance I get. I believe the reason we have a stash is because we love love love FABRIC! Thank you for the give away. Adding your fabric to my stash would really be wonderful!
- February 25, 2010 at 7:25 AM
- TheLazyQuilter said...
OMG! How awesome of you guys. Stash? Uh, what stash? When it comes to fabric I'm like a hoarder in denial!
- February 25, 2010 at 7:28 AM
- Kathi said...
I use the love system. The fabrics I love, love, love are in a pie safe. The fabrics I love are in a dresser. The fabrics I like are under the bed, and the rest I give (or throw) away. When any spot becomes full, I either have to quit buying or sew like the wind!
As for quilts, I can't seem to manage that, but I'm trying to make more to give away (especially from that under-the-bed fabric.)
- February 25, 2010 at 7:31 AM
I'd love to add the collection to my stash already purchased. It would be the perfect motivation to get started on a new quilt!!! Love all your collections.
- February 25, 2010 at 7:34 AM
I manage my stash by adding to it as often as I can! There are so many wonderful fabric lines these days that if you don't buy it when you see it, it won't be there when you want it. Thanks for all the inspiration!
Karen L.
- February 25, 2010 at 7:36 AM
- Tressa said...
My stash is very small. It fits in a couple clear totes that sit on a shelf in my closet waiting for me to use it. This fabric will be used right up though as it will fit in quite nicely with a quilt I'm working on for my living room.
- February 25, 2010 at 7:36 AM
- Linda said...
Love the mittens...a collector's item for sure and a great tree decoration! I don't manage my stash, it manages me! I do keep it by color family in an armoire. I've started collecting charm packs and jelly rolls and those have spilled out into baskets. I've given fabric to charity and friends when it no longer interests me but I doubt if I will be able to part with much of my current collection until it is sewn into quilts and crafts!
- February 25, 2010 at 7:37 AM
- Lisa D. said...
Prairie Paisley is my all time favorite of your collections. I made one quilt from it, but have another one planned (Chippewa 9-Patch) and would love to win more. I don't know if you would call my stash managed. I do however like to pass along my leftovers when I am done making a quilt. If I have a friend who is interested, most of the time I give them to her.
- February 25, 2010 at 7:40 AM
Does anyone ever really "control" their stash?! I have converted a spare bedroom and a very large armoire to store fabric. Then, started "displaying" favorite fabrics rolled and folded in large baskets on top of the armoire...and any other spot I can think of! Just thinking about this makes me smile and want to go fabric shopping!!! Juliet in SoCal
- February 25, 2010 at 7:44 AM
- pdrue said...
I favor the bins and chaos approach to stash management. And more Prairie Paisley would look great in a new quilt I'm planning -- or even just in the piles of fabric in my spare room.
- February 25, 2010 at 7:45 AM
- Patty said...
I love Prairie Paisley collectin!My stash isn't really managed at this time. We moved a while back and my DH moved my sewing room one day when I wasn't home. So needless to say most of it is in boxes or containers of some type. I've been slowly sorting and now have 2 cupboards to put it in.
- February 25, 2010 at 7:46 AM
- sbmeeks said...
You wouldn't think that someone who has only been quilting about a year would have a problem with too much fabric! Guess again!! I had to buy milk crates and stack them with the opening facing out. I tried to tell myself I'm going use up what I've got and finish my projects before getting any more. As you would expect, that didn't work!
- February 25, 2010 at 7:46 AM
- beeinstitches said...
Very little "stash management" here. Think I lost control a few years ago. At least almost all of my fabric is contained in one room - closet, shelves, shelves, and just piles of recent 'acquisitions'. So that is some sort of management!!! Of course, would love to have a little more to 'manage', especially from one of your collections.
- February 25, 2010 at 7:59 AM
- Holly said...
My 2010 resolution is to actually use my stash. I am feverously trying to use up my stash so that I can give myself permission to buy new fabric. I have already put a good size dent into it. Guess it's off to the quilt shop this weekend to buy more. Mustn't let stash get too low, or I won't have enough fabric to finish all of my projects. LOL. Thanks for the great contest and by the way I store my fabric in cabinets up in my sewing room.
- February 25, 2010 at 8:08 AM
- Suburban Stitcher said...
Lately my stash is definitely growing, but I do try to keep it under control. I only purchase what I need for a project, so the biggest problem lately is "scrap" management!
- February 25, 2010 at 8:21 AM
- Lynn said...
My stash is never to large to put your collection in!!!! Hope to hear that I have acquired some more.
- February 25, 2010 at 8:24 AM
- Kathy said...
Oh, MY! What a problem for MODA! I have my MODA stash in my sewing area. I also have my wools and my xstitch stuff and rug hhoking supplies in my room. The rest of the 'stuff' is in the basement, rarely used, so I should really donate it (after I wash it). I like to make scrap quilts for our boys who live in New England. They like the scrap ones. I do make quilts to donate to the school for fundraising, etc. I ahve shelves in my room to store things by Designer/line and then as it gets used, I store it by color. I also store it by 'type....my country and prim lines, civil war, and then contemporary. Backgrounds are another pile. Oh, My....
Thank you for this generous give away!
- February 25, 2010 at 8:27 AM
- Doodlebug Gail said...
What a wonderful giveaway - those fabrics are gorgeous and I'd be really happy to give them a new home. I control my stash by sorting in colours - I have pieces of 1/2 yard and bigger in wire storage drawers and the smaller pieces in fabric storage boxes. This year I am on a "use what I have and buy only what I need for a specific project" mission - so far it's working really well.
- February 25, 2010 at 8:29 AM
- Sandy said...
Boy, what a generous giveaway...I would love to be the recipient of either of the "stacks".
I have a gorgeous piece of furniture with shelves and glass doors that "roll above" to put a lot of my stash...it was a gift. The rest are in plastic totes...here there and everywhere!
- February 25, 2010 at 8:29 AM
- Jill said...
I would love to add some Prairie Paisley to the fabrics I'm collecting for a quilt for myself -- even though I never seem to get around to starting it! Too busy with other, more important projects! Thanks for all your inspiration!
- February 25, 2010 at 8:43 AM
- Lauradublin said...
I cannot tell you how much I would love to win - I've never won anything! Love your fabric, so it would be manna from heaven.
- February 25, 2010 at 8:54 AM
Ohhh I'd love to win this give away. I drooled for too long over the Prairie Paisley and POOF... it was gone!
I have always given my quilts away, but decided that this year I am making some for me.
- February 25, 2010 at 9:05 AM
Stash?? what stash??? oh you mean my quilting pantry??? One has to keep the staples in her pantry doesnt she??? My pantry has shelves with white plastic baskets full of the staples!! Its a good thing!!
- February 25, 2010 at 9:06 AM
- Lynda (Granny K) said...
My miniscule stash is in plastic boxes, squirreled away in cupboards and wardrobes!
- February 25, 2010 at 9:11 AM
- Lizziebeth said...
Well I try to control it with stackable plastic boxes and I haven't been buying that much since my husband's work is so slow. I would love to win such nice fabric.
- February 25, 2010 at 9:13 AM
- Gracie said...
I'm totally not in control of my stash. I make all kinds of resolutions and then I see something new and lose all control. So I'm sure I could find room somewhere for more.
- February 25, 2010 at 9:14 AM
- Lizziebeth said...
Well I try to control it with stackable plastic boxes and I haven't been buying that much since my husband's work is so slow. I would love to win such nice fabric.
- February 25, 2010 at 9:14 AM
If you come into my house you know you will have to share the couch with either a pile of fabric, a cat, or a stack of books!-Talk about being "surrounded" by the things you love!
Thanks for the giveaway!
- February 25, 2010 at 9:14 AM
I am a new quilter, so my stash is very sparse; however I'm working on that! Thanks for sharing!
- February 25, 2010 at 9:16 AM
- Cyn said...
Stash Management?
Lot's of LOL's!
I'm not managing stash, I'm collecting!
Okay, I have a large needlework stash/collection which I do use for my many projects.
I'm just beginning to build my fabric stash as I am a very, and I mean very, new and beginning quilter.
For several yars, I've been buying fabric that I love and donating it to Project Linus so that the fabrics can be made into beautiful quilts. I finally decided that I needed to learn how to quilt so I can make quilts to donate.
By the way, I also buy yarn that's on sale and that I love to donate to Project Linus.
Please enter me into your giveaway.
Windy Meadow
cyn_stitches at yahoo dot com
- February 25, 2010 at 9:18 AM
Stash management...hahahahahahaha.
What's that?
I've started a collection of "Prairie Paisley" to make a quilt for our future beach house. I would be thrilled to have more!
auntie m
- February 25, 2010 at 9:48 AM
- Sharon said...
I have a wire basket (drawer) system that is working so far. I recently moved and every piece of fabric had to be refolded to fit the new system. This was stash mgt 101. I"m trying to be on a buying sabatical and using up pieces for backs. Donating to charity quilts is also a great place for those pieces I just don't like anymore!
- February 25, 2010 at 9:50 AM
- Mary said...
I fold my fabric around a 6x24 ruler so thatit is unform and stack by color. I also keep fabric from one line together, breaking the stack by color rule. I do keep material bought for a specific project together with the pattern in a zip lock bag together so I don't accidentally use it.
- February 25, 2010 at 9:50 AM
- DebrafromMD said...
I try to keep the Stash under control but it has a mind of it's own. I do not to put my fabric in dark, enclosed places though because I think it breeds while I am not looking. Sigh...
- February 25, 2010 at 9:55 AM
- Heather said...
Stash, what stash? Haha! I keep about half of what I make. I just love making quilts, and even more I like buying fabric. :D
I'd love to have some Prairie Paisley, I love it!
- February 25, 2010 at 9:56 AM
- Terry said...
I have one room devoted to fabric and other craft supplies. I have large shelving units filled with plastic boxes filled with fabric, divided by color, type, etc.Since I will never use it all I have been giving to charitable groups making quilts and pillows for nursing homes.
Along with everone else, Prairie Paisley is one of my favorite fabrics! Thanks for being so generous!
Terry Ann
- February 25, 2010 at 9:59 AM
- Chl said...
My stash mangement techs:
I just let it rule me! I have accepted this.
It's like wabbits! Reproducing every time I turn around.?.?.
I have a two year supply for every single member of my family (7 of us).
Don't get me wrong, I make quilts and use them or gift them. I even make scrappy backs to use up fabric. I just don't understand?? Wabbits, I tell ya, wabbits. ;D
- February 25, 2010 at 10:04 AM
Well, I'd like to think I manage mine by a combination of color and the line or designer of the collection but....I it is more of the 'no that is not the right one, toss it into the pile and move on. My first pattern I designed was inspired by the Prairie Paisley line so I'd love to get a package of all the bits of it. Becky
- February 25, 2010 at 10:05 AM
- julia said...
Stash management? Hmm...I think I barely reached the point where stash management is needed (maybe my partner wouldn't think so...). But I now think twice if I'll *neeeeed* the fabric or not before I hit the 'buy' button...
When I started quilting 2 years ago, I always was frustrated when patterns called for some scraps. I simply didn't have any - by now, this problem is solved, I even have all my scraps sorted by size in plastic bags//boxes .
My other fabrics are sorted either by color or by theme (Christmas/Japanese/reproduction/favourite collection or designer). Some future projects are already kitted - and all are stored in my bedroom in clear plastic boxes.
There were (already) some fabrics from my early days which I don't really like anymore - I took them to the group I attend once a month and the girls could take whatever they liked.
Oh, I would LOVE to win the giveaway! Unfortunately I didn't discover your fabrics earlier...(they're not that easy to get here in Germany and I didn't know about those fabulous online quilting shops back then...)! Prairie Paisley is one of my most favourite collections & whenever I come across it, I have to buy some of it...I have an extra box reserved for my limited PP stash...they would be perfect for a quilt quilt for my mom...;o) (if I were able to part with it when it would be finished).
Thanks to you & the fabulous moda team for this generous giveaway...
P.S.: those mittens are cute! Monica is a real sweetheart.
- February 25, 2010 at 10:06 AM
I really love the Prairie Paisley fabric from your collection. I have made a Schnibbles wall hanging using this and could really use some more of this collection to make another smaller quilt for a family member. I try to control my stash by making various size quilts for family members, quilts of valor and donation quilts for hospitals. But like most, I turn around and purchase some new fabric adding again to the stash. Prairie Paisley along with Flag Day Farms are my all time favorite Moda quilt fabric. Thanks!
- February 25, 2010 at 10:24 AM
- Chris@Cats On My Quilts said...
Oh! Prairie Paisley-my favorite! As for stash management I have been making scrap quilts lately but a funny thing has happened-the stash has not reduced much! How can you make a couple of queen size quilts out of the stash and have more stash when you are done? Right now I give most of my quilts away since I have plenty for myself and hubby.
- February 25, 2010 at 10:31 AM
- The Lawlor's said...
Well, my one approach has been to buy more shelves for my craft room! My other approach is to only buy what I am going to work on and I usually don't have too much left over after a project.
So, that being said, I would love to win!
- February 25, 2010 at 10:33 AM
- Kristine said...
It's always fun to hear your Moda stories, and it's always kind of them to share, isn't it!
I do try to rotate my archives every so often, sometimes discovering a real treasure. I should give up on making small projects, though, otherwise I'm never going to make a dent!
- February 25, 2010 at 10:33 AM
- Sinta Renee said...
Fabric has a "wild hair" nature. I keep my fabric nicely folded and displayed in baskets & cute little vinettes. The important thing about keeping your stash managed it to remember to PET it- continuously. Fabric likes to feel loved & given lots of attention. I tell the fabric to be patient, I will use it soon. If I neglect my stash- all hell breaks loose & I can walk into a sewing room that looks like a party has gone on in there... (the wild hair thing.)
- February 25, 2010 at 10:34 AM
I will gladly help Moda with stash control!
Kay H
- February 25, 2010 at 10:56 AM
- Danielle said...
I know not of stash control! If some is good, more is great! I make quilts for my family and friends, so the more choices of fabric, the better. Thanks for the giveaway!
- February 25, 2010 at 11:05 AM
- Jean C. said...
Stash management... yes, well how I have finally gotten it "a bit" under control is to let some of my new sewer friends "shop" at my house! I take out things I can live without, and they come take away what they want! It works for me! I gave away an entire laundry basket in January... although it still doesn't seem much is gone! Also, I have told my 3 daughters and 1 DIL to shop at "Mom's Fabric Store" if and when they need something that I might have... too funny!!! Might!?! What can I say..
my stash is very verital because I used to work at a fabric store and besides quilts etc... I make wedding dresses (although I usually don't stash that type of fabric) plus lots of other clothing.
I can imagine it must be fun to go thru the company warehouse!!! It would be a bit of Heaven wouldn't it? Thanks for sharing... with whom ever name gets drawn! P.S. the mittens are really cute! When the Winter Olypics were here in Utah, it was the cute barea's that everyone wanted!
- February 25, 2010 at 11:10 AM
- SueB said...
I try to manage my stash by getting fabric that I know will all just go together one way or another. I usually only by Moda Minick and Simpson and Andover Jo Morton. It is just what I like.
- February 25, 2010 at 11:30 AM
- Elaine S. said...
My stash is safely in my cabinet. Just waiting on me. Would LOVE to add some Prairie Paisley to it! Thank you.
- February 25, 2010 at 11:40 AM
- amy said...
I love prairie paisley...it's one i never got to buying!! I think their stash problem is a good thing!!!
amy in chicago
- February 25, 2010 at 11:42 AM
- llo said...
What is "stash management"?. Ok, I have tried but the STASH has won. I would love to add more Minick and Simpson fabric!
- February 25, 2010 at 11:59 AM
- llo said...
What is "stash management"?. Ok, I have tried but the STASH has won. I would love to add more Minick and Simpson fabric!
- February 25, 2010 at 12:00 PM
- Judy in Michigan said...
I have a large stash - don't remember buying most of it - maybe they reproduce by themselves like hangers. I've been making charity projects and donating fabric to our guild. I'd like to get rid of many fat quarters so I can buy yardage - I never have enough of one fabric for a project. We have a large basement so I've stored it on shelves - it's a nice dry area so it is safe from moisture and sun. If I should win some of your fabulous fabric, I will take very good care of it!! Thank you!!!
- February 25, 2010 at 12:00 PM
- bobbie said...
I don't control my stash, I just go buy another container to fill up.
Prairie Paisley is my favorite fabric line. I have already
made 1 quilt and have plans for one more.
I give my quilts to family and a nursing home in my area.
- February 25, 2010 at 12:10 PM
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Column: Court orders administration to follow nuclear waste law
Nowadays, the federal government leavens its usual quotient of incompetence with large dollops of illegality. This is eliciting robust judicial rebukes, as when, last week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia instructed the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to stop "flouting the law." Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh said: "It is no overstatement to say that our constitutional system of separation of powers would be significantly altered if we were to allow executive and independent agencies to disregard federal law in the manner asserted in this case."
For six decades, the nation has been studying the challenge of safely storing nuclear waste from weapons production, Navy vessels and civilian power plants. So far, more than $15 billion has been spent developing a waste repository system (in the 1980s, a Nevada senator misnamed it a waste "suppository") deep within Yucca Mountain 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas.
The Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 says the NRC "shall consider" the Yucca Mountain application to become a repository, and "shall" approve or disapprove the application within three years of its submission. "Shall" means "must." The application, submitted in June 2008, has not been acted upon, and the court said: "By its own admission, the Commission has no current intention of complying with the law."
Judge A. Raymond Randolph's concurring opinion said: "Former (NRC) Chairman Gregory Jaczko orchestrated a systematic campaign of noncompliance. Jaczko unilaterally ordered Commission staff to terminate the review process in October 2010; instructed staff to remove key findings from reports evaluating the Yucca Mountain site; and ignored the will of his fellow Commissioners."
Jaczko resigned last year, leaving the NRC in demoralized disarray. The New York Times reported "charges of mismanagement and verbal abuse of subordinates" and that all four of his fellow commissioners, two from each party, complained about Jaczko to the White House and told a congressional committee that (the Times reported) he "unprofessionally berated the agency's professional staff and reduced female employees to tears with his comments."
To be fair to him, he was put there to disrupt. He was put there by Nevada's Sen. Harry Reid (D), on whose staff he had served.
Reid seems uninterested in the metallurgy of waste containment vessels or the geology of the mountain's 40 miles of storage tunnels where the waste would be stored 1,000 feet underground on 1,000 feet of rock. Rather, Reid, like almost all Nevadans, regards the repository as a threat to Las Vegas, a gambling destination that lives off tourists who are demonstrably irrational about probabilities. Reid prefers the status quo — more than 160 million Americans living within 75 miles of one or more of the 121 locations where more than 70,000 tons of nuclear waste are kept.
The court, which was concerned only with the law, not the mountain, said, "The President must follow statutory mandates so long as there is appropriated money available and the President has no constitutional objection to the statute." He has none, and Reid has not yet quite succeeded in starving the NRC of funding for the Yucca licensing process.
The NRC said Congress has not yet appropriated the full amount required to complete the process. The court said Congress often appropriates "on a step-by-step basis." The NRC speculated that Congress may not finish appropriating the sums necessary. The court said that allowing agencies to ignore statutory mandates based on "speculation" about future congressional decisions "would gravely upset the balance of powers between the [government's] Branches and represent a major and unwarranted expansion of the Executive's power at the expense of Congress."
The NRC said small appropriations indicate Congress's desire to stop the licensing process. The court responded that "Congress speaks through the laws it enacts" and "courts generally should not infer that Congress has implicitly repealed or suspended statutory mandates based simply on the amount of money Congress has appropriated." The court noted that, "as a policy matter," the NRC may want to block the Yucca project but "Congress sets the policy, not the Commission." And the court said there is no permissible executive discretion to disregard "statutory obligations that apply to the Executive Branch."
This episode is a snapshot of contemporary Washington — small, devious people putting their lawlessness in the service of their parochialism and recklessly sacrificing public safety and constitutional propriety. One can only marvel at the measured patience with which the court has tried to teach the obvious to the willfully obtuse.

subset: commoncrawl


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Treasures: An odd little spoon-shaped device
Dear Helaine and Joe:
I found this piece while going through old stuff in a deceased relative's house. It caught my eye because it looked to be silver. I have no idea what it might be. My best guess is a snuff spoon. Other than the spoon, it also has a retractable blade. On the back is engraved, "Gifford's Pat. Nov. 5, 1867." It is 2-1/4 inches long closed and 2-3/4 inches long when opened. I am stumped. What was it used for, and does it have any value?
Thank you,
Dear R.C.:
Your guess of a snuff spoon is a very good one. Snuff spoons are usually this small, but these tiny spoons (as a general rule) have long stems that allow the spoon to reach deep into a snuff bottle. That said, what else could this very interesting device be?
The answer may be a bit surprising for some who would not dream of using a metal device to perform a function now done with a piece of soft cotton on the end of a stick.
But before we go any further, it should be emphasized that no medical professional would recommend that either the soft piece of cotton or the hard piece of metal be used in this fashion because both can cause very serious damage.
Some of you have guessed that this spoon-shaped instrument was designed to be used to remove earwax and is often called an "ear pick," "ear scoop" or -- our favorite, because it is descriptive of its actual purpose -- "ear spoon." Yes, Mr. A.W. Gifford of Worchester, Mass., designed this to be an earwax remover, but Gifford also intended for his apparatus to be multipurpose.
We think we understand (rightly or wrongly) that there are variations in Gifford's invention. Some could be used as a scissor guide, a nail file, a pen knife and a seam ripper (presumably the function of the pen knife that can be retracted).
Ear spoons were often multifunctional, and collectors commonly find them paired with such things as tweezers and toothpicks as part of the package. (We do not care to imagine picking your teeth and then cleaning your ears with the same instrument. Gross!)
Ear spoons were made from jade, gold, sterling silver, ivory, bone and tortoise shell. However, we believe that the one in today's question is probably made from steel.
Of course, it could be silver, and in that case should tarnish. A steel one should rust if left exposed to even a small amount of moisture. The latter is not an experiment we suggest that R.C. try, but we think we see dark areas in the grooves of the engraving, and these could be either tarnish or rust.
A jeweler could easily test it to determine whether it is sterling. We found an 1836 English sterling example that sold for $100 at auction. But we also found a beautifully carved Chinese jade ear spoon that sold for only $40.
That this one is an American example is much in its favor, and the patent information also helps both historically and monetarily. But we believe the value of a steel example at retail is probably $150 or less, while a silver-metal content might add another $50 to $75, at most.
Helaine Fendelman and Joe Rosson are the authors of "Price It Yourself" (HarperResource, $19.95). Contact them at Treasures in Your Attic, P.O. Box 18350, Knoxville, TN 37928. Email them at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, shns.com.


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RFF Game-Time SPECIAL:
Pitcher of MGD, 2lbs of wings and a mini Raptors basketball for $25.00
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Ear like bracts stand at attention above the cat-like whiskers of this unusual plant.
The Tacca Chantrieiri has many common names: Bat Flower, Black Bat Flower, Cats Whiskers, Devil Flower, Bat Head Lily, Bat Plant, Devil's Tongue, Black Tacca, Jews Beard, Voodoo Flower.
It is a native to tropical areas of Southeast Asia including Thailand, Malaysia, and southern China: particularly Yunnan Province. Tucked away in a shady corner of my garden it bursts into spectacular flower at this time of the year as I slowly wilt in the heat and humidity that it thrives in.


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Fizz & Bubble
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Flexible Fitness: Why does my hip hurt?
Hip pain is common among people of all ages, and more prevalent in the active population. The hip joint connects the top of the thigh bone to the socket of the pelvis. You may feel hip problems in the groin, thigh, buttock or even the inside of your knee.
There are many potential causes of hip pain. Some problems occur inside the hip joint and can include arthritis, labral (cartilage) tears and impingement. Other causes occur outside the hip joint such as muscle strains, tendon strains and bursitis. Proper treatment of hip pain depends on accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause.
There are several types of arthritis that can affect the hip joint. The most common is osteoarthritis (OA). This is a progressive degeneration or wear and tear of the cartilage inside the joint. Treatment for early arthritis often includes medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and pain medications. Physical therapy to increase the mobility of the joint, and exercises to improve strength of the muscles surrounding the hip has been shown to be beneficial in patients with early to moderate hip OA.
Cartilage tears can occur from a traumatic event or more commonly with repetitive pivoting and twisting as in some sports or day-to-day activities. This can occur when the top of the thigh bone makes abnormal contact against the socket of the pelvis. This can cause irritation in the joint, and possibly damage the cartilage.
A muscle strain or tearing of muscle fibers can occur when you put more demand on a muscle than it can withstand. This can result from a single episode of excessive force on a muscle, or when repetitive forces exceed the ability of the muscle.
There are several things that can increase your risk of muscle strain, including sudden increases in activity level, changes in patterns of training or excessive loading during intensive training. Imbalances of strength from one leg to the other or between opposing muscle groups in the same leg can also increase the risk of muscle strain.
Trochanteric bursitis is a common problem causing pain on the outside of the hip and possibly down the outside of the thigh to the knee. The trochanteric bursa is a small fluid-like sac meant to decrease friction between the bone and the tendons that pass over it. Discomfort may be experienced with prolonged standing, walking, stair climbing and running. Management of an acute flair can include rest, ice and physical therapy.
Regardless of your symptoms, a thorough history and physical exam by a physician or physical therapist will help to determine the underlying cause of hip pain and treatment planning. The basic goals of physical therapy are to determine the source of the problem, and address joint restrictions, muscle weakness, muscle tightness and faulty movement patterns to distribute stresses equally throughout the body during activities using the hip. Physical therapists will look above and below the hip for these same issues and prescribe specific exercises to address strength or flexibility deficits and movement patterns to help maximize activity and minimize risk for re-injury.
Rhonda Salvo, PT, is an advanced physical therapist at Spaulding Outpatient Center Framingham (Mass.). She is a graduate of Northeastern University with 23 years of clinical experience with special interests in both orthopedic and neurological populations. Nancy Sibley, PT, DPT, is an expert physical therapist at Spaulding Outpatient Center Framingham. She has more than 25 years' experience in orthopedic physical therapy and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist. She recently received a doctorate of physical therapy from Massachusetts General Institute of Health Professions in May 2013.


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[This post was started a couple of months ago, so the "past couple of weeks" were back in October… Remember when I only published like three posts that entire month? Here's why…]
I confess, my heart has felt rended in two these past couple of weeks over a girlfriend's situation. Amid the easy excuse that having our house on-the-market and show-ready has stifled my ability to craft and blog, I've found myself grappling with my sorrow over the whole messy painful thing. And feeling utterly uninspired. Like exercising my creativity is so absolutely small and unhelpful in light of discovering that my friends' life-as-they-know-it is seemingly falling to pieces. I almost wish I did not know the truth so I could avoid facing it. Or thinking about it. Every day. So I could carry on just naively believing their life-is-good highlight reel of facebook posts. [I know that makes me a terrible and selfish friend. So I am all the more downcast for wanting to escape the knowledge of it.]
What does it look like to "[live] in peace when life screams for something different"? (the hardest peace, p.173). Because the heartache in this life has been screaming at me lately. And since I am not able to fix the situation, I am so thankful that God quiets my heart with peace in it.
Rewind a few weeks. When Kara Tippett's book The Hardest Peace arrived on my step, I tucked it away to "get to," busy with house prep and heartache and avoiding anything that might make me even more sad than my friends' situation has. I just knew that reading a book written by a young mama-of-four who is dying of cancer, talking about hard peace, would surely lead me into sorrow.
But when I saw Ann talking about Kara and this book, I was reminded that I needed to at least pull it out and make a start, a valiant effort, as I'd agreed to read it and, if I felt led, to share it here.
So I pulled it out of the padded envelope, postmarked back in September. And suddenly there I was, before I'd blinked, already on page eighty, sitting on the floor in the middle of my kitchen, right where I'd pulled the book out from under the counter.
Rather than inviting us in to wallow with her in the pain of her illness and treatments, or indulging in the possible sadness of her husband's or children's story, she offers a transcending hope:
"But if the hardest is asked of us, we believe grace will be there" (p140).
There is something radically inspiring–for anyone if we will glean it–about facing the brevity and pain of this life and realizing, deciding, knowing, affirming that it does not diminish God's goodness or His good plan for our lives.
The big takeaway for me is with my own children.
As any of us mamas-of-littles have heard, and heard again, these days go fast, and we will miss them. Exploding diapers shooting green straight up the back of that onesie? You'll miss these days. Screaming toddler in the grocery aisle? You'll miss these days. Endless kindergarten crafts leaving a debris trail of vacuum-eluding glitter all over your house? You'll miss these days.
I already know I'll miss these days. I already do. And I try to absolutely relish them and the gifts of my precious ones.
It looks like Kara Tippetts will not be here to miss these days, but her children will. And the beautiful thing for me–the striking and radical thing–about Kara's words are that while she could buoy up, shore up, and try to insulate her loves from a seemingly impending doom, she points to the grace that will meet them there.
What if we didn't just commanded ourselves to relish the fleeting present, but instead equipped our children to meet the future, whatever it holds. What if we could bind to their hearts that God is good, and His grace will meet them there, whatever the "there" holds.
That's powerful stuff for me. As a woman, as a wife, as a mama.
Anyway, time here is growing thin now for this precious reflector of light. Hospice has been called in. And I cannot think of how to adequately or eloquently end this post, this piece of my heart laid out for you, so I will end with this:
I have two copies of this book to give away to you. No fancy hoops or requirements, but won't you leave a comment here, a word of hope, a scripture of encouragement, a sign of solidarity for Kara? That will be your "entry." Thank you precious friends. I will draw two names from these comments next week and send each a copy of this book. It's an easy and difficult, fast and slowing read. I hope you will love it and pass your copy on once you have read it.
[Here's Kara's blog, if you are not already following her journey: Mundane Faithfulness]
g i n a


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With Cable and Digital Entering the Fray, Pilot Season Hits a Casting Crunch
Imagine a world in which the NFL, the NBA and Major League Baseball all decided to move their seasons to the same time of year. It would be chaos, for fans and the professional sports business alike. And yet, in television, that's essentially what happens during pilot season.
The broadcast networks traditionally order pilots during the first few months of the year. From there, it's a race to find the best actors, hire a crew, build sets and produce a show before May, when the upcoming fall schedules are announced. The field has always been crowded, but this spring, several cable networks and online retailer-turned-programmer Amazon are also developing new shows that they hope will go to series (cable networks typically produce pilots throughout the year, usually avoiding the spring).
The result: a run on talent like never before, as more than 100 pilots all scout for A-list stars and directors at the exact same time. And as more production moves outside of Hollywood, in some cities there are only so many experienced crewmembers to go around.
"I think it is an unusually difficult pilot season for everybody," says 20th Century Fox TV chairman Dana Walden. "There are just so many different companies who are producing pilots at the same time against each other. The net result is, we're all scrambling."
Among the marquee names who signed on for cable or digital series rather than broadcast shows: John Goodman, who's starring in Amazon's comedy pilot Alpha House; Kyle Chandler in Showtime's The Vatican; Amanda Peet in the HBO comedy Togetherness; and Alicia Silverstone in Lifetime's human resources drama HR. As for directors, FX landed Oscar winner Ang Lee to shoot the drama Tyrant.
Even Discovery Channel, which is casting its first scripted project, the miniseries Klondike, scored big names out of the gate, including Tim Roth. Dolores Gavin, Discovery's executive vice president of development and production, says Klondike had to shoot in the summer, giving the network little choice but to enter the pilot season crunch.
"We got to the point where we said, 'We're going to hold hands and jump into this," she says. "Ultimately you have competition every day of the week, and so you fight with the army you have." Gavin credits the Klondike script and its producing auspices (Ridley Scott's production company) for landing top talent. "We had some people coming forward that were surprising. We would think, boy, these people must really be chased to do this pilot or that pilot. The fact that they would come to Discovery and Klondike, well, holy smokes, that's huge."
AMC's Joel Stillerman, executive vice president of original programming, was also hesitant to jump into the broadcast network pilot season, but AMC now wants to pick up new shows twice a year, so he had no choice. "We went there cautiously, because we all know what the downside is," he says.
But Stillerman has been pleasantly surprised with the actors he has been able to land on AMC's two drama pilots, Turn and Halt & Catch Fire. "The fact that we're even in the mix during pilot season has given us access to some actors that I don't think we would have normally been able to talk to," Stillerman says. Halt's Lee Pace (Pushing Daisies), for example, "conceivably would have ended up on network pilots" had AMC not been casting at the same time. Stillerman says agents have been a bit more aggressive this season, "and you have to be a little more resistant to that stuff," but that ultimately "we've ended up where we would have ended up normally. People understand the economics of what we do."
The casting crunch left some pilots in the lurch: Bravo's The Joneses, USA's Horizon and NBC's Donor Party were among the projects pushed when their casting efforts came up short. And perhaps the flurry of castings meant some stars were snatched up even though they weren't quite right for a project. That may be why big names like Mandy Moore (ABC's Pulling) and Christina Ricci (NBC's Girlfriend in a Coma) wound up leaving their shows, in some cases after table reads.
"There will always be a point in pilot season where we'll see an actor and go, 'Well, that was OK, but we can do better, but in two weeks we're going to really want that person so we should hire them," one exec says. "But that's never the way you should cast."
Stillerman says he wasn't surprised that Amazon decided to jump feet first into pilot season. "They probably sat down and looked at what their best opportunity was," he says. "It's a time when the most talent is available, and there is clearly a shift in terms of how actors are looking at material. They probably felt like they could compete. We'll see what the outcome is."
Will this year's pilot-palooza finally advance efforts at the networks to upend the traditional pilot season process? Walden says she's optimistic: "I'm hopeful the networks will look at the success that their cable competitors are experiencing and change this process a little bit."
But as much as network execs say they'd like to get out of the practice of competing head-to-head for the same stars, the industry seems set in its ways. "Until [No. 1 network] CBS does it, no one's going to do it," says one insider. "And they're not going to do it. This works for them and they're winning."
Meanwhile, despite the competition, the broadcast networks fared better than you might expect this year. As more major stars look to come to TV, the networks landed big names like Robin Williams in CBS' David E. Kelley comedy and Greg Kinnear in Fox's drama Rake. And even some cable stars are returning to broadcast, like Margo Martindale (Justified, The Americans), who's starring opposite Will Arnett in CBS' Greg Garcia pilot.
Among the actors who "got away" and ultimately didn't choose any projects: Rose Byrne, Hugh Laurie, Thomas Haden Church, Corey Stoll and Dominic West.
Stillerman says not to read too much into cable verse broadcast, however, as both have their pros and cons. "There will be people more drawn to cable-type material or the schedule, but if you're talking about earning a living as an actor, the choice between 22 episodes on a broadcast network show or a (shorter) order on cable, that can be a disadvantage for us. It's a pretty fair fight, and material wins things over."
CBS' talent and casting executive vice president Peter Golden says he does find it challenging to compete against cable networks offering stars the opportunity to shoot fewer episodes per season than broadcast shows. "That makes it hugely competitive to get certain actors," he says. "But when the material is great, actors and their representatives go for it. That's what we rely on, and, happily, that's why we're feeling pretty good about our roster this year."
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AMC goes for unscripted series
NEW YORK — "Wonder is still alive," says Todd Ray. "People are still curious."
Ray sure is. Wonder and curiosity led him to bail on a flourishing career as a music producer seven years ago to indulge his passion for the wondrous and odd.
Today, with the enthusiastic participation of wife Danielle, teen son Phoenix and daughter Asia, 20 — along with their extended family of wondrous exhibitionists — Ray is the impresario of a freak show on the boardwalk of Venice Beach, Calif. And, now, they're all poised to become TV stars, thanks to "Freakshow," an unscripted series premiering tonight (9:30) on AMC.
The Rays invite viewers to meet the gang, and — don't worry — it's OK to stare at Amazing Ali, the miniature woman; Goth-fashioned Morgue, whose bag of tricks includes plunging a drill bit up his nose; Marcus "The Creature," whose body is a tableau of tattoos and piercings; and George, who, at 7-feet-8-inches, is, well, the resident Tall Man.
Even Asia Ray has gotten into the act, transforming herself from a dutiful student and aspiring classical musician into a radiantly charming fire-eater, sword swallower and contortionist. Music school can wait. The "Freakshow" calls.
Granted, much of the reality-show genre could be branded a freak show, with the likes of Honey Boo Boo, Snooki and the Real (pick your city) Housewives freaking out for the cameras.
But in Ray's lexicon, " 'Freak' isn't a bad word at all. We're all freaks of the universe," he says, meaning everyone on this exceptional planet Earth. "We're all individuals so unique that we're actually magical creatures."
No wonder he celebrates people who are even odder than most. During a recent interview he explains that, "when they join us, they're respected and they're treated well."
Ray says the series explores why they do what they do as performers, "and, if they're born uniquely different from most people, how they cope with the struggle against the 'normal' world — how they deal with society that puts them on the outside."
How should the "normal world" deal with them in return?
"You can look at those who are different from you and be excited about them," Ray proposes, "and then you can look in the mirror and be excited about yourself."
Amid all this, some viewers may wonder what an unscripted series like "Freakshow" is doing on a network known for feature films and acclaimed dramas like "Mad Men" and "The Walking Dead."
But "Freakshow" isn't AMC's only departure from scripted fare.
On Thursday at 9 p.m., "Comic Book Men" resumes its second season of informed geek-chat originating from filmmaker Kevin Smith's New Jersey comic shop, Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash.
Then, at 10 p.m., following "Freakshow," AMC will premiere "Immortalized," a wondrously odd competition show.
Let other competitions settle who can rustle up the best grub or shed the most pounds. "Immortalized" focuses on taxidermy.
With the motto "No guts, all glory," each episode features one of four expert "Immortalizers" facing off against a lesser-known challenger in a competition to create a winning piece that a panel will judge on originality, craft and interpretation of an assigned theme.
This unscripted trio of programs constitutes AMC's new "real original Thursdays," which builds on the run of "Comic Book Men" in its previous Sunday berth and other reality programming including "The Pitch" and "Small Town Security," which have aired in the past and will be back.
It's fitting that AMC is going off-book. A number of reality-based networks are doing just the opposite.
In 2010, AMC's sister network Sundance Channel, long acclaimed for its devotion to the unscripted genre, aired the miniseries "Carlos," which starred Edgar Ramirez as notorious terrorist Carlos the Jackal. In December, it presented "Restless," a miniseries starring Michelle Dockery of "Downton Abbey."
And now, with a heightened emphasis on scripted fare, Sundance has planned a slate of shows that include, starting in March, "Top of the Lake," a seven-part series written and directed by Academy Award-winning Jane Campion and starring Holly Hunter and Elisabeth Moss ("Mad Men"). Airing in April, "Rectify" is a six-part drama about a man who has served 19 years on Georgia's death row before DNA evidence calls his conviction into question.
Meanwhile, Discovery Channel recently announced the production of its first-ever scripted miniseries, "Klondike," starring Chris Cooper. And reality-centric Bravo has signed actress Anna Gunn ("Breaking Bad") for the lead role in "Rita," one of several scripted pilots it has in development.
Does it seem a little strange that these networks are revising their time-honored policies? Maybe they just share Todd Ray's mantra: "Say 'No' to normal."